Spokane Felony Lawyer

How Washington State Categorizes Felony Charges

Felonies are classified into three main categories based on their severity: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each category carries its own set of potential penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

• Class A felonies are the most severe offenses, potentially resulting in life imprisonment and fines up to $50,000. 
• Class B felonies can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
• Class C felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Examples of Washington felonies include: 

• Manslaughter (1st and 2nd degree): The unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought; first-degree involves recklessness or negligence creating extreme risk, while second-degree is caused by negligence.
• Rape (1st and 2nd degree): Non-consensual sexual intercourse, with the degree determined by factors including the use of force, the victim's incapacity to consent, and the perpetrator's knowledge of the same.
• Robbery (1st and 2nd degree): Taking personal property from another person or their immediate presence, against their will, by force or threat of force; first degree involves weapons or bodily injury.
• Murder (1st and 2nd degree): The intentional and unlawful killing of another person, with first degree being premeditated and second degree without premeditation but with intent.
• Assault (1st degree): Intentionally inflicting great bodily harm on another person, often involving the use of a weapon or means likely to produce death or serious injury.
• Burglary (1st degree): Unlawful entry into a building intending to commit a crime, especially when armed with a deadly weapon or if the building is a residence.
• Arson (1st and 2nd degree): Willfully and maliciously causing damage to property by fire or explosion, with first degree involving dwellings or places where people are present.
• Drug trafficking: Manufacturing, selling, or distributing controlled substances, especially in large quantities or as part of organized crime.
• Possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver: Holding illegal drugs to distribute them, distinguished from simple possession due to larger quantities or accompanying paraphernalia indicative of sale.
• Theft (1st degree): Stealing property exceeding a specific value threshold or involving firearms or motor vehicles, representing the most severe theft classification.
• Fraud and identity theft: Illegally obtaining money, assets, or personal identification information through deception or impersonation, intending to benefit at the victim's expense.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

It is never too early to hire a criminal defense lawyer. The sooner you retain legal counsel, the better. By getting a lawyer involved in your case from the very beginning, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that your lawyer has the opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Additionally, if you have not yet been charged but are the subject of a criminal investigation, you may be able to avoid charges altogether by enlisting the help of an experienced lawyer. Furthermore, having our Spokane felonies defense attorney on your side when being questioned by law enforcement ensures that you are treated fairly, that you are not taken advantage of due to stress and unfamiliarity with the process, and that your constitutional rights are upheld.